System and method for interactively entering data into a database

ABSTRACT

A system and method for facilitating the accurate entry of information into a highly structured database by initially extracting information from a plurality of nonuniformly formatted source data streams, e.g., documents/files, and subsequent interactions with users before storing the accepted and/or modified information into the database. Embodiments of the present invention provide an interactive path for each user (e.g., the author of the source document/file) to interactively modify the extracted data, e.g., according to the source document/file. Preferably, this interactive path is provided via the Internet and the extracted information can be modified by editing and/or selectively copying portions of the source documents/files to supplement and/or modify the extracted information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/456,930, filed Dec. 7, 1999 now abandon, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Application Ser. No. 09/019,948, filed Feb.6, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,999,939, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/068,404, filed Dec. 21, 1997.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to data processing systems for enteringinformation into and accessing information from large structureddatabases and in particular to those systems which allow multipleindependent users to enter information from nonuniformly formatteddocuments/files and to interact with the system to assure the accuracyof the database entries.

The use of databases for storing data records which can be readilysearched is well known. A typical application of large structureddatabases would be a system for matching jobs and applicants. When usedin conjunction with a search engine, a program that can search formatches between inquiry data and data stored within the database, such asystem significantly reduces the manual efforts required to match theneeds of employers (job providers) and applicants (job seekers). Inorder to enter applicant data into the database, source documents/files(typically, nonuniformly formatted resume) can be used. Since the formatof text data contained within a resume is typically not standardized,text data extraction software is used to retrieve data for entry intothe database. Typical of such data extraction software is that describedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,164,899 and 5,197,004.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a system for facilitating theaccurate transfer of information from a source data stream, e.g., adocument/file, to a highly structured database and more particularly tosuch systems capable of accepting nonuniformly formatted documents,e.g., text documents such as resumes, advertisements, and medicalrecords, from a plurality of users via a remote communication interface,e.g., the Internet, and for extracting information therefrom via aprocedure which includes user participation to assure the transfer ofappropriate entries into the database.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an interactive path for auser (typically, the author of the source document/file) tointeractively modify the extracted information. In a preferredembodiment, this interactive path is provided via the Internet and theextracted information can be altered by editing and/or selectivelycopying portions of the source document/file to supplement and/or modifythe extracted information.

A preferred system for facilitating the accurate transfer of informationfrom each of a plurality of nonuniformly formatted source data streamsinto a structured database comprises (1) means for supplying digitaldata representing each of a plurality of source data streams from aplurality of users, each source data stream containing datacorresponding to multiple discernible source data strings, (2) dataextraction means for extracting selected ones of the source data stringsand generating related target data strings, (3) means for displaying astructured form comprised of multiple fields, each field capable ofaccommodating a data string and wherein one or more of the fields havethe target data strings inserted within, (4) means for enabling eachuser to modify the target strings inserted within the displayed formcorresponding to the source data stream originating from the user beforeaccepting the form, and (5) means for storing data corresponding to thedata strings from the form fields into the database.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the providing means uses aremote communication interface, preferably using the Internet, to supplythe source document/file to the data extraction means and, subsequently,to return the form having target data strings within its fields.

An additional embodiment of the present invention also comprises a meansfor providing one or more supplemental inquiry forms to a user,receiving data strings in response to the supplemental inquiry forms,and for providing the data strings back to the user along with thetarget data strings in a structured form.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the providing meansenables a user to submit digital data in the form of an audio stream.Data processing includes the conversion of the audio stream to a textstring. The text string is then processed in the same manner as a usersubmitted source string containing text.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the providingmeans uses traditional mail to supply the source document/file to thedata extraction means. Alternatively, the data extraction means,structured form generating means, supplemental inquiry form generator,and structured form editing means are supplied to the user's computer asa self executing piece of software.

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. The invention will be best understood from thefollowing description when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 comprises a simplified block diagram of a system for enteringresume data into a database and interactively modifying and/orsupplementing such entered data;

FIG. 2 is a portion of the exemplary resume of FIG. 7, showing theextraction of source text strings based on the syntax of surroundingtext;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the structure of an exemplary database comprisedof a plurality of applicant data records;

FIG. 4 comprises an expanded block diagram of the flow of the data entrysystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 comprises a simplified flow chart of the data entry flow of FIG.4;

FIGS. 6A-6C show exemplary forms for providing resume and/orsupplementary data to the database service provider of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary resume used in conjunction with the forms ofFIGS. 6A-6C.

FIG. 8 comprises a simplified block diagram of a system for enteringresume data into a database and interactively modifying and/orsupplementing such entered data using software stored on a user'scomputer.

FIG. 9 comprises a flow chart of the data entry system of FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a system for facilitating theaccurate transfer of information from a source data stream, e.g., adocument/file, to a highly structured database and more particularly tosuch systems capable of accepting nonuniformly formatted documents,e.g., text documents such as resumes, from a plurality of users via aremote communication interface, e.g., the Internet, and for extractinginformation therefrom via a procedure which includes user participationto assure the transfer of appropriate entries into the database.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system is usedto place nonuniformly formatted advertisements into a structureddatabase. In an additional embodiment of the present invention, thesystem is used to place nonuniformly formatted medical records into astructured database.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an interactive path for auser (typically, the author of the source document/file) tointeractively modify the extracted information, e.g., according to thesource document/file. In a preferred embodiment, this interactive pathis provided via the Internet and the extracted information can bealtered by editing and/or selectively copying portions of the sourcedocument/file to supplement and/or modify the extracted information.

FIG. 1 comprises a simplified block diagram of a system 10 for enteringdata from a source data stream 12, e.g., a text document/file such as aresume, into a database 14 and interactively modifying and/orsupplementing such entered data. In an exemplary job search environment,the interactive system 10 provides an improved system and method foraccurately transferring information from resume source document/file 12,hereinafter referred to as resumes and preferably independentlygenerated by a plurality of applicants 16, to the database 14 where itis accessible (preferably via a search engine as described furtherbelow) to one or more employers 18. Resumes are preferably used as thesource documents/files 12 in this environment since resumes are awell-accepted tool for providing information from an applicant to anemployer and, as such, they typically already exist.

As shown in FIG. 1, the resume 12 is typically generated via path 20using a word processor (not shown). Interactions between the applicant16 and resume 12 typically continue via the word processor until asatisfactory resume 12 is generated and stored as corresponding digitaldata. However, resumes are generally nonstructured or loosely structured(and nonuniformly formatted between users) text documents that are onlyintended to be human readable e.g., by the employer 18 and the applicant16, and are typically not directly useable in the highly structureddatabase 14. Consequently, the resume 12 is supplied via path 21 to adata extractor 22, preferably implemented as text data extractionsoftware (e.g., the DEFT software developed by TRW as part of theirInfoWeb™ system), to selectively convert information from the format ofthe unstructured (or loosely structured) resume 12 to the format of thehighly structured database 14. Essentially as shown in FIG. 2 (a portionof the exemplary resume of FIG. 7), the data extractor 22 isolates oneor more discernible source data strings, e.g., text data strings 24,within the resume 12 and, according to the content of the source datastrings, e.g., 24 a-24 z, and using the syntax of surrounding keyworddata, e.g., text strings 26, determines a correlation between sourcetext strings 24 and data fields 28 that are to be entered into thedatabase 14. For example, the keyword text string 26 (“EXPERIENCE”)identifies the following source text strings 24 as being related to theapplicant's job experience due to the syntax of the surrounding text,e.g., the keyword “experience”, the existence of dates, theidentification of a company (Inc.), etc.

As shown in FIG. 3, an exemplary applicant database 14 is comprised of aplurality of fixed length records 30, each corresponding to a differentone of a plurality of applicants 16. Each record 30 is comprised of aplurality of data fields 28 having predefined formats and lengths,corresponding to searchable pieces of information.

Table I shows an exemplary partial list of definitions of theinformation stored in the data fields 28 of the database 14 of FIG. 3.

TABLE I Data Field Definition 28j Most recent job start date 28k Mostrecent job end date 28l Most recent job company 28m Most recent jobtitle 28n Next job start date 28o Next job end date 28p Next job company28q Next job title

First, the data extractor 22 extracts source data strings, e.g., textstrings 24 a-2 d, from the resume 12. Optionally, the text format of oneor more of the source text strings 24 are then altered by the dataextractor 22 to generate target data strings, e.g., text strings 32, ofa standardized format. For example, a date text string could bestandardized (e.g, Mar. 12, 1993 could be changed to 3/12/93).Otherwise, the stored target text string 32 is essentially identical tothe source text string 24. As described further below, each target textstring 32 preferably directly corresponds to the data fields 28 in thedatabase 14 (e.g., the target string 32 corresponding to source textstring 24 a corresponds to 28 j) and thus, following themodification/acceptance process described below, target text strings 32are stored via path 34 into the database 14 (following any conversionsrequired by the format of the database 14 and its fields 28).

However, due to lack of structure of the resume 12, the data extractor22 (also referred to as a natural language processor) is susceptible tomaking an incomplete or erroneous correlations. Accordingly, the presentinvention provides an interactive path 36 that enables the applicant 16,generally the individual most acquainted with the contents of the resume12, to modify the target text strings 32 to best correspond to theresume 12 and, thus, enhance the accuracy of the data stored in thedatabase 14.

FIG. 4 is an expanded block diagram of the system 10 of FIG. 1 showingthe data flow which enables each user (i.e., applicant 16 in thisexemplary environment) to interact with the information extracted by thedata extractor 22 and thus assure the accurate transfer of informationfrom the resume 12 into the structured database 14. The interactivesystem 10 is preferably comprised of one or more user sites 38(including a computer 40 operated by the applicant 16) and a databaseservice provider site 42 (generally an automated service) coupled toeach other via a remote communication interface 44. In the followingdiscussion, the remote communication interface comprises the Internet46, the associated hardware and/or software at the user 38 and databaseservice provider 42 sites, typically comprising a modem 48 and a web(Internet) browser 50, and the associated interconnections 52 between(typically phone lines and Internet Service Providers (ISPs)). However,other communication interfaces, e.g., a local area network (LAN) or adirect modem to modem or serial port to serial port connections, arealso considered to be alternative remote communication interfaces.

Preferably, each user site 38 is comprised of the computer 40, e.g., apersonal computer, having a display control output 54 that drives adisplay monitor 56 to generate a displayed output 58 and a data entrydevice, e.g., a keyboard/mouse 60, that directs operation of thecomputer 40 via control path 62. In contrast, while the database serviceprovider site 42 may typically also include a monitor and akeyboard/mouse, it only requires a computer 64 that interfaces to theInternet 46.

Initially, the user 16 at user site 38 generates the sourcedocument/file, i.e., resume 12, at step 66 of FIG. 5. As previouslydiscussed, this generation is interactive and proceeds until user 16 issatisfied with the results. However, the resulting resume 12 isgenerally unstructured relative to the highly structured form of thedatabase 14.

As a next step, the user 16 requests a first web page form (step 68) viathe Internet 46 to begin the process of interactively transferring theresume 12 to the database 14. The first web page form 68 (see FIG. 6A)is stored (see block 70) within computer 64 at the database serviceprovider site 42 and is responsively provided back (see step 72) to theuser site 38 via the Internet 46 (commencing STEP ONE) and displayed bythe web browser 50 on the monitor 56. The user 16 then preferablyprovides the existing resume 12 back to the database service providersite 42 via a pasting operation used in conjunction with the web browser50. In an exemplary Windows 95 environment, the user 16 launches theword processor, e.g., Microsoft Word, that had been used to generate theresume 12. Preferably, the user 16 then selects the entire resumedocument and copies it to the clipboard. Next, the user 16 pastes theresume 12 from the clipboard into a source data input field 70 of thefirst web page form 68 using the web browser 50, e.g., MicrosoftInternet Explorer. Typically, this pasting removes any word processorformatting information and results in digital data (preferably formattedas ASCII text) representing the resume 12 being stored in the webbrowser 50. (Alternatively, the word processor formatting informationcan be extracted by the data extractor 22.) The web browser 50 is thenused to send (see step 74) the first web page form 68 (now containingthe resume 12) to the database service provider site 42 where the resume12 is stored in resume storage 74. The data extractor 22 then extractsone or more source text strings 24 according to syntactical rules toestablish a correspondence between the source text strings 24(preferably saved as intermediary target text strings 32) and fields 28of the database 14.

Next, STEP TWO of the process commences by the computer 64 at thedatabase service provider site 42 sending a second web page form 78 (seeFIG. 6B) at step 80 which is displayed via the web browser 50 on themonitor 56 at the user site 38. In this example, the second web pageform 78 is a supplemental inquiry form, that asks the user 16 one ormore supplemental questions. In response, the user 16 fills insupplemental fields 82, e.g., by a pull-down field, free text entry, aradio selection, etc. This filled-in form is sent back to the databaseservice provider 42 in step 84 where supplemental text strings 86 arestored in supplemental text storage 88.

STEP THREE of the process commences by the third web page form generator90 at the database service provider site 42 generating a third web pageform 92 (see FIG. 6C), a structured form having multiple fields 94 eachfield being capable of accommodating a text string within. Specifically,target text strings 32 (corresponding to source text strings 24) areinserted within fields 94 according to the syntax of the sourcedocument/file 12 and the definition (e.g., name, address, city, etc.) ofeach field 94. Additionally, the supplemental text strings 86 areinserted within the associated fields 94 of form 92. Preferably, thestored resume 12′ from resume storage 74 is also added to the third webpage form 92. Finally, the third web page form 92 is sent back in step96 to the user site 38 where it is displayed by the web browser 50 onmonitor 56.

The user 16 can now use the view the displayed form 92 to determine itsaccuracy. If the displayed data, including target text strings 32 andsupplemental text strings 86, are accurate the user 16 sends back form92 to the database service provider site 42 where the accepted textstrings are extracted in block 98 and stored in database 14. However, aspreviously discussed, the displayed data is not always accurate.Accordingly, the user 16 can edit data supplied in the third web pageform 92 (preferably including using the supplied resume 12) to cause thefields 94 of form 92 to more accurately represent the applicant's resumeinformation. Using features of the web browser 50, the user 16 can instep 100 edit fields 94 and/or paste information from resume 12′ (nowpart of form 92) to modify the data fields 94. The user in step 102 thensends the modified form 92 back to the database service provider site 42where accepted text strings 104 from fields 94 are stored in thedatabase 14 in step 98.

As an example of the modification process, it is noted that field 94 ncorresponding to the third “Company” under “Experience” has been filledin with the target text string 32 “Los Angeles”. This is inaccuratesince the data extractor 22 has apparently missed the company name,i.e., Nordstroms, and instead extracted the city name as the target textstring 32. Therefore, the user/applicant 16 can identify this inaccuracyand either (1) edit the field 94 n by typing in the correct entry or (2)select the source text string 24′ from the copy 12′ of resume 12included on the third web page form and paste the proper text(Nordstroms) into field 94 n. Accordingly, the user/applicant 16 hasbeen given the opportunity to verify and correct the data beforeentering it into the database 14, thus assuring the accurate transfer ofinformation into the database 14.

Once the information has been stored in the database 14, a search engine106, preferably a software program that executes on the computer 64 atthe database service provider site 42, can be used to match inquiries,e.g., from one or more employer sites 108 (preferably via the remotecommunication interface 44) to look for applicants 16 with specificattributes. For example, since the highly structured database 14contains fields 28 corresponding to the schools attended by eachapplicant 16, the search engine 106 can, in response to a request fromthe employer site 108, search for applicants 16 who graduated fromspecific schools or any other criteria stored in the fields 28 of thedatabase 14.

In another embodiment of the current invention, the user 16 at user site38 generates an audio file to be used as the source file, i.e., resume12, at step 66 of FIG. 5. The ability to submit an audio file may beparticularly helpful to those who have difficulty typing or who preferto dictate. The user 16 proceeds through the same series of steps aspreviously described, except that instead of cutting and pasting resumetext from some type of word processor into the first web page form 68,the user 16 attaches the audio file via an attachment operation inconjunction with the web browser 50. The user 16 then uses the webbrowser 50 to send the first web page form 68 (now containing the resume12 as an audio file) to the database service provider site 42 where theaudio file is stored in resume storage 74.

Once received by the database service provider site 42 a speech to textconversion program is used to convert the audio file attached to firstweb page form 68 into a text file 12. The text file 12 is also stored inresume storage 74. The text file is then used the same way a usergenerated text file 12 is used as described above to generate an entryin database 14.

In another embodiment of the invention (see FIG. 8) the text extractor,supplemental question page generator, structured form generator, andstructured form editor is supplied to the user's computer 40 as anapplet or other self executing piece of software 69 by the databaseservice provider. A speech to text conversion program may also besupplied to the user's computer 40. The provision of the software 69 maybe done through a remote communication interface, such as the Internet.The applet or software 69 may use a web browser as an interface or itmay have its own independent user interface.

Initially, the user 16 at user site 38 generates the sourcedocument/file, i.e., resume 12, at step 66 of FIG. 9. As previouslydiscussed, this generation is interactive and proceeds until user 16 issatisfied with the results. In this embodiment however, the resumegeneration process can either be carried out using another wordprocessor or through the supplied software 69 itself.

As a next step, the user 16 requests a first web page form and theassociated software 69 (step 68) via the Internet 46 to begin theprocess of interactively transferring the resume 12 to the database 14.The first web page form 68 (see FIG. 6A) and the associated software 69is stored (see block 70) within computer 64 at the database serviceprovider site 42, and is responsively provided back (see step 72) to theuser site 38 via the Internet 46 (commencing STEP ONE), and displayed bythe web browser 50 on the monitor 56.

The user 16 then preferably provides the existing resume 12 into thesoftware 69 either by entering it directly or via a pasting operationused in conjunction with the web browser 50.

Next, STEP TWO of the process commences by the software on the userscomputer 40 which generates a second form 78 (see FIG. 6B) at step 80which is displayed on the monitor 56 at the user site 38. In thisexample, the second form 78 is a supplemental inquiry form, that asksthe user 16 one or more supplemental questions. The number ofsupplemental questions can vary depending on the contents of the resume12. In response, the user 16 fills in supplemental fields 82, e.g., by apull-down field, free text entry, a radio selection, etc. This filled-inform is submitted to the software 69 in step 84 where the supplementaltext strings 86 are stored by the software 69 to some type of recordablemedia as supplemental text storage 88.

STEP THREE of the process commences by the software 69 on the user'scomputer 40 generating a third form 92 (see FIG. 6C), a structured formhaving multiple fields 94, each field being capable of accommodating atext string within. Specifically, target text strings 32 (correspondingto source text strings 24) are inserted within fields 94 according tothe syntax of the source document/file 12 and the definition (e.g.,name, address, city, etc.) of each field 94. Additionally, thesupplemental text strings 86 are inserted within the associated fields94 of form 92. Preferably, the stored resume 12′ from resume storage 74is also added to the third form 92. The third web page form 92 isdisplayed by the web browser 50 on monitor 56.

The user 16 can now use the software 69 to view the displayed form 92 todetermine its accuracy. If the displayed data, including target textstrings 32 and supplemental text strings 86 are accurate, the user 16sends back form 92 using the software to the database service providersite 42 via the Internet, where the accepted text strings are extractedin block 98 and stored in database 14. However, as previously discussed,the displayed data is not always accurate. Accordingly, the user 16 canedit data supplied in the third form 92 (preferably including using thesupplied resume 12) to cause the fields 94 of form 92 to more accuratelyrepresent the applicant's resume information. Using features of the webbrowser 50, the user 16 can in step 100 edit fields 94 and/or pasteinformation from resume 12′ (now part of form 92) to modify the datafields 94. The user in step 102 then uses their browser to send themodified form 92 back to the database service provider site 42 using thesoftware where accepted text strings 104 from fields 94 are stored inthe database 14 in step 98.

In another embodiment of the invention the text extractor, structuredform generator, supplemental question page generator, and structuredform editor is supplied to the user's computer as self executing pieceof software 69 by the database service provider. In this embodiment theuser would not need to have an Internet connection at all. The usercontacts the database service provider using for example e-mail,telephone or traditional mail requesting the software 69. The software69 is sent to the user on portable storage media through traditionalmail and is executable as a stand alone program on the user's computer40.

The functionality is similar to the above embodiments except that oncethe process is complete the user is prompted to save the completedresume 12 to portable storage media. The user then sends the storagemedia to the database service provider using traditional mail. Oncereceived, the database service provider takes the resume 12 off of theportable storage media and places the resume contents into the database14.

Although the present invention has been described in detail withreference only to the presently-preferred embodiments, those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that various modifications can be madewithout departing from the invention. For example, while a job searchenvironment has been primarily described, the present invention can beuseful in other environments where the source document is essentiallyunstructured relative to a highly structured database. Accordingly, theinvention is defined by the following claims.

1. A method for facilitating the accurate transfer of information to astructured database, said method comprising the steps of: receivingdigital data from one or more users representing one or morenonuniformly formatted source data streams, each said source data streamcontaining digital data corresponding to one or more discernible sourcedata strings, wherein said digital data includes first digital data thatis personal information about a first user; extracting selected ones ofsaid source data strings from said source data streams and generatingrelated target data strings; sending a structured form to said firstuser comprised of multiple fields, each field being capable ofaccommodating a data string and wherein any said generated target datastrings are inserted; enabling said first user to modify and/or acceptsaid target data strings inserted within said structured form; receivingdigital data from said first user corresponding to said target datastrings from said structured form fields; and storing said digital datacorresponding to said target data strings from said structured formfields in said database.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said sendingand receiving steps use a remote communication interface.
 3. The methodof claim 2 wherein said remote communication interface uses theInternet.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein said structured formadditionally comprises said source data stream and said enabling stepincludes enabling said first user to copy selected portions of saidsource data stream into selected fields of said structured form.
 5. Themethod of claim 1 wherein one or more of said target strings areessentially equivalent to said extracted source data strings.
 6. Themethod of claim 1 additionally comprising the step of: receiving one ormore supplemental data strings in response to one or more supplementalinquiry forms; and wherein said structured form additionally comprisesfields having said supplemental data strings inserted within.
 7. Asystem for facilitating the accurate transfer of information to astructured database, said system comprising: means for receiving digitaldata from one or more users representing one or more nonuniformlyformatted source data streams, each said source data stream containingdata corresponding to one or more discernible source data strings, thesaid digital data including at least first digital data generated by andreceived from a first user; data extraction means for extractingselected ones of said source data strings from said source data streamsand generating related target data strings; means for generating astructured form comprised of multiple fields, each field capable ofaccommodating a data string and wherein any said generated target datastrings are inserted; means for sending said structured form to saidfirst user; means for enabling said first user to modify said targetdata strings inserted within said structured form; means for receivingdigital data corresponding to said target data strings from saidstructured form fields; and means for storing data corresponding to saidtarget data strings from said structured form fields in said database.8. The system of claim 7 wherein said means for receiving said digitaldata comprises each said user sending said digital data via a remotecommunication interface.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein said remotecommunication interface uses the Internet.
 10. The system of claim 7wherein said means for sending said structured form additionallycomprises means for returning said structured form via a remotecommunication interface.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein said remotecommunication interface uses the Internet.
 12. The system of claim 7wherein said means for enabling includes means for enabling each saiduser to copy selected portions of said source data stream into selectedfields of said structured form.
 13. The system of claim 7 wherein one ormore of said target strings are essentially equivalent to said extractedsource data strings.
 14. The system of claim 7 additionally comprising:means for receiving one or more supplemental data strings in response toa supplemental inquiry form; and wherein said structured formadditionally comprises fields having said supplemental data stringsinserted within.
 15. A system for facilitating the transfer ofinformation, said system comprising: a communication interface forreceiving from each of one or more user sites one or more nonuniformlyformatted source data streams, each containing data corresponding todiscernible source data strings received from a respective user whogenerated a respective source data stream; a data extractor forextracting selected source data strings from said source data streamsand generating related target data strings and for returning said targetdata strings to said user sites; a generating apparatus for generating astructured form comprised of multiple fields, each field capable ofaccommodating a data string and wherein one or more of said fields havesaid target data strings inserted within; a data entry apparatus forenabling each respective user to alter said fields of said structuredform corresponding to said respective source data stream originatingfrom said respective user before accepting said structured form; and adatabase for storing data corresponding to said data strings from saidstructured form fields.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein saidcommunication interface uses the Internet.
 17. The system of claim 15wherein said structured form comprises said respective source datastream and said data entry apparatus enables said respective user tocopy selected portions of said respective source data stream intoselected fields of said structured form.
 18. The system of claim 17wherein said data extraction apparatus additionally returns saidrespective source data stream to its corresponding user who generatedsaid respective source data stream.
 19. The system of claim 15 whereinone or more of said target data strings are essentially equivalent tosaid extracted source data strings.
 20. The system of claim 15additionally comprising: means for receiving one or more supplementaldata strings in response to one or more supplemental inquiry forms; andwherein said structured form additionally comprises fields having saidsupplemental data strings inserted within.
 21. A method for facilitatingthe accurate transfer of resume information from a nonuniformlyformatted source data stream to a structured database, said methodcomprising the steps of: receiving a digital representation of a resumefrom a first job applicant; extracting data strings from said digitalrepresentation and generating related target data strings; sending atleast a portion of said target data strings to said first job applicant;and enabling said first job applicant to modify said target data stringsto create modified data strings; receiving said modified data stringsfrom said first job applicant; and storing said modified data strings inthe database.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the sending andreceiving steps use a remote communication interface.
 23. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the remote communication interface uses the internet.24. The method of claim 21, wherein said target data strings areinserted into a structured form.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein thestep of enabling includes a step of enabling said first job applicant tomodify the said target data strings that are inserted into thestructured form.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the structured formincludes multiple fields, each field being capable of accommodating atleast one of said target data strings.
 27. The method of claim 24,further comprising the step of enabling said first job applicant toaccept said target data strings that are inserted into the structuredform.
 28. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step ofenabling said first job applicant to accept said target data strings.29. A method of transferring information from nonuniformly formattedsource data streams to a structured database, said method comprising thesteps of: receiving digital data from at least one user, the dataincluding personal information about the at least one user; processingthe data received from the at least one user and generating a targetdata string therefrom; sending a representation of the target datastring to the at least one user, enabling the at least one user tomodify the target data string; receiving from the at least one user themodified target data string; and storing the modified data string in thestructured database.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein therepresentation of the target data string is a structured form.
 31. Themethod of claim 30, wherein the structured form includes multiplefields, and wherein at least one of the multiple fields is capable ofaccommodating the target data string.
 32. The method of claim 29,wherein the step of processing generates multiple target data strings.33. The method of claim 32, wherein the step of sending includes a stepof sending a structured form that includes multiple fields, each ofwhich are capable of accepting a data string and which have target datastrings inserted therein.
 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the stepof receiving from the at least one user the modified target data stringincludes a step of receiving at least one additional target data stringin addition to the modified target data string, and wherein the step ofstoring includes a step of storing the at least one additional targetdata string and the modified target data string in the structureddatabase.
 35. The method of claim 29, wherein the sending and receivingsteps use a remote communication interface.
 36. The method of claim 29,wherein the remote communication interface uses the internet.